Abstract
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to establish a relationship among oral health perception, practicality, and the health-promoting lifestyle profile (HPLP) of soldiers, to finalize the oral health education content to be offered to military personnel under military service and explore remedial measures. Methods: The subjects included military soldiers older than 19 years of age in the Chungnam province. The study instrument was a structured questionnaire evaluating the general characteristics, HPLP, oral health perception, and oral health practice. Data were analyzed using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis. Results: The HPLP evaluation of the soldiers was 3.39, and the group with the higher HPLP level showed better oral health recognition and oral health practice, with a statistically significant difference. There were differences in oral health perception, tooth brushing practice, and oral health education interest depending on the level of education and stratum of the soldier. The higher the soldier's HPLP, the higher were the oral health perception and oral health practice. The factors affecting the HPLP were oral health perception, tooth brushing practice, and interest in oral health education. Conclusions: After the military discharge, it is necessary to devise ways that will enhance oral health perception and practices that promote good oral health and lifestyle.
Figures & Tables
Table 1 Distribution of smoking rate by general characteristics Characteristics Division
